Yusra Mardini’s journey is marked by extraordinary resilience. Fleeing war-torn Syria, she embarked on a tumultous crusade that included a harrowing swim for survival in the Aegean Sea.
Her indomitable spirit not only saved lives during that swim but propelled her to the Olympic stage. As a Syrian refugee, she faced immense hardships, yet her determination and prowess in the pool have made her a symbol of strength, transcending borders and inspiring countless others.
Today, she not only conquers the waves but also takes on a new role as the ambassador for Oris, a luxury watch brand rooted in a legacy of precision and craftsmanship since its founding in 1904.
Through an exclusive interview with Emirates Woman, Yusra talks about carving her own path and emerging as a beacon of hope and excellence.
Read below to know more about Yusra’s remarkable story and the intersection of her extraordinary achievements with a brand that honours the rich history of watchmaking.
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Can you share more about your remarkable journey from escaping the Syrian civil war to becoming an Olympic swimmer?
In 2015, my sister Sara and I decided to leave our home to escape the civil war in Syria. Our journey was dangerous, but we had no other choice. The crossing of the Mediterranean was particularly risky. Our small inflatable boat got into trouble, the engine failed, and the people on board were in danger of drowning. Sara and I were among the few people on board, who knew how to swim, so we didn’t hesitate. We jumped into the water, swam alongside the boat, and stabilized it to prevent it from capsizing until we reached the Greek island of Lesbos. From there, we continued our journey through Europe, over the Balkan Route, until we finally arrived in Germany. Germany became our new home, and we began to integrate into this society.
Despite all the challenges, I never lost my love for swimming. I participated in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro as a member of the IOC Refugee Olympic Team. That was a particularly great and important moment for the whole team, me, but also for many other refugees around the world, as it was a team that inspired hope.
What did it mean to you to represent the Refugee Olympic Team in both the Rio and Tokyo Olympics?
Being part of the IOC Refugee Olympic Team at both Olympic Games was a profound and transformative experience. For me, it wasn’t just about participating in the Games; it meant representing millions of displaced people who, like me, have faced and continue to face unimaginable challenges. It meant that we came together across borders and backgrounds and became a symbol of hope and resilience. We carried the stories of countless people with us. To this day, the team remains a testament to the power of sport to unite, inspire and advocate for those who often go unheard.
Standing with other athletes who had made similar journeys created a unique bond. The IOC Refugee Olympic Team is, of course, first and foremost about athletic excellence; but also about breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes and proving that everyone, regardless of their background, has the right to pursue their dreams. The support the team continues to receive from the global community is overwhelming. But we must continue to work to ensure that it remains a beacon of unity, courage and humanity. We all carry a message of solidarity and show the potential that lies within everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances. It is an honor and responsibility for me to be part of such a remarkable team, and this experience continues to shape my commitment to refugees and human rights today.
As the youngest-ever UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, how do you use your platform to shed light on the challenges faced by displaced people worldwide?
This role as UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador is very meaningful to me. It is a platform to draw attention to the stories and realities of more than 114 Million displaced people. Through personal stories and emphasizing our common humanity, I try to raise awareness and see refugees as human beings, as we all are. I travel to refugee camps and communities to understand on the ground what challenges exist. I then bring these experiences to the wider public to draw attention to the individual faces behind the numbers. Education, sport and the empowerment of women and girls are the focus of my efforts.
Together with UNHCR and my own Foundation, I also seek partnerships with various stakeholders. The idea is to develop innovative solutions together and improve the long-term prospects for refugees. At a political level, I am committed to better addressing the needs of refugees and promoting their integration into communities. My goal is to support sustainable change and help shape a world in which everyone has the chance to live in safety and dignity.
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Your story was adapted into the Netflix film “The Swimmers.” How was it to see your life portrayed on screen, and what impact do you hope the film will have?
It is still a very moving experience to see my life on the big screen. The film “The Swimmers” shows my personal journey and the challenges I went through together with my sister to a wider audience. It was not only a representation of my story, but also an opportunity to represent the stories of many refugees worldwide. The impact I hoped the movie would have was also fulfilled. Firstly, I hope it raises awareness of the difficulties and sacrifices refugees face. The film should encourage viewers to reflect on the stories of individuals and focus on humanity.
Secondly, I want the movie to inspire people. It’s not just about showing the difficulties, but also the power of survival, hope and rebuilding. If viewers can see that even in the darkest moments there is light and strength, then I hope they can apply that to their own lives. And I hope to promote understanding and empathy through the movie. Often people who have not been through the same experiences can struggle to understand the perspectives of refugees. The film provides an opportunity to build bridges of understanding and emphasize commonalities between us all.
Could you elaborate on your partnership with Oris and how you envision working together towards the goal of “Change for the Better” ?
This partnership with Oris is more than just a collaboration; it is a shared commitment to positive change, and I am confident that it will have a lasting impact. The partnership is an exciting opportunity for me to drive our shared desire for positive change. Oris and I share the belief that change for the better is possible and they have decided to make a significant contribution.
Together, we will focus on various initiatives aimed at making the world more sustainable. From environmental protection, education and equal opportunities to supporting projects for refugees, we speak the same language. Oris has already shown an impressive commitment to social responsibility and I look forward to strengthening and expanding these efforts. The vision of Change for the Better is to take concrete action that improves people’s lives. We don’t just want to talk about change, we want to actively contribute to making it happen.
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What initiatives does The Yusra Mardini Foundation undertake to improve conditions for refugees, and how does it collaborate with Oris as a Sustainability Partner?
The Yusra Mardini Foundation aims to improve the lives of refugees in a sustainable way. One initiative is to provide athletes, like I was, with the support and resources they need to build a new life. Therefore will collaborate with our partners.
In addition, the foundation focuses on supporting sports and education projects in refugee camps and host communities. Sport has a transformative power that goes far beyond physical activity. It promotes team spirit, discipline and mental strength. Our projects aim to harness these positive effects and give people in difficult situations hope and prospects.
The collaboration with Oris as a sustainability partner is of crucial importance. Together, we strive not only to bring about short-term improvements, but also to promote long-term sustainability. Oris brings not only financial support, but also a commitment to social responsibility and sustainable practices. This collaboration allows us to develop more comprehensive and impactful programs that have a lasting impact on the lives of refugees. Our goal is to create positive change through these partnerships and initiatives that go beyond sport and make a lasting difference to the lives of refugees.
Your book “Butterfly” received critical acclaim. How does storytelling, both in writing and on screen, contribute to raising awareness about the challenges refugees face?
Stories are a powerful way to share the reality of the challenges faced by refugees with a wide audience. Stories, like mine, make it possible to evoke empathy and involve viewers emotionally in the experiences of refugees. They go beyond the mere facts and create a human connection. They can help break down prejudice and promote understanding. These narratives help to break stereotypes and emphasize the diversity of the refugee experience.
Overall, storytelling is a powerful tool for raising awareness of the challenges faced by refugees, fostering compassion and creating positive change in perceptions and support for refugees.
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How do you continue to campaign for better conditions for refugees, and what changes would you like to see in addressing the refugee crisis globally?
On the one hand, I am actively working on specific programs to improve the lives of refugees through my foundation, partnerships and initiatives. On the other hand, I use my voice to raise awareness and promote political change. Through public appearances, conversations with policy makers and the use of social media, I try to sensitize the public to the urgency of the situation.
It is crucial that the international community steps up its efforts to provide refugees with protection, education and basic human needs. This requires increased cooperation and solidarity between countries. Dismantling stereotypes and prejudices against refugees can be achieved through increased education and awareness campaigns. When people understand the stories and realities of refugees, they are more likely to advocate for positive change.
Thirdly, a sustainable solution for refugees is needed. This means not only short-term emergency relief, but also long-term programs that promote integration and give refugees the tools to build new lives on their own. Overall, I hope that the global community will intensify its efforts to address the root causes of displacement and improve the situation for refugees worldwide. It requires joint efforts at political, social and individual level.
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Images: Supplied & Instagram @yusramardini
